Another tip is to handle the cat a lot so she gets used to being touched. Some cats get sensitive about their bellies or ears or paws. It sounds weird but I touched the cats all over when they were babies. Now they never bite or scratch anyone.

You may want to consider whether someone will be able to help you out on occasion if you or the cat needs anything. The cat genie sounds amazing. I wish I had somewhere to hook it up in my apartment.

Thanks Coily. You have cats right? Do you have tips or suggestions for me?

Originally Posted by juanab

Yes. I do. I have 2, but I got the first one and she was alone (until dog came into the picture) then cat #2 2 years later. My older cat (5) was my first cat as an adult.

It's true that cats are mostly self-reliant and independent. When Brandi was a kitten, she played A LOT. A LOT!!!!!! Did I say A LOT? I would get home from grad school, play with her for almost an hour and she still had energy to go on through the night--she would jump and run around on my bed when I was sleeping. I had to lock her out of the bedroom for a while till she learned that it was "mummy sleepy time".

All I did was feed her, keep fresh water in her bowl and pick up her poo/change the litter when needed. I tried to walk her on a leash, she didn't like that. And I also tried taking her to petco, she just scratched up my neck the moment we stepped in. Now that there's two (Chui is 2.5), they play with each other and I don't really do much playing with them. Just sometimes like with a laser pointer (they LOVE that). And sometimes I play Ninja Kitty with my Brandi (Chui doesn't get it). It's pretty hilarious. They both talk a lot too.

I didn't socialize them much, but they've both visited CA with my family during the holidays.

Jade looks like she has a ton of energy and likes to play. A laser toy is really good as well as little toys that she can bat around with her paw. My cats love catnip, so I get them these little catnip fabric "candy" from our local pet store. The also like wheatgrass, so I have that for them. And for treats they love Greenies.

I don't know if any of this was helpful--it was more of me rambling about my babies than anything else

ETA: Oh and I have a catgenie littler box. BEST.THING.EVAH!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by coilynapp

Thanks Coily. I played with her for about 15 minutes until she decided she wanted to explore.

If the cat is truly part Bengal, it probably won't be as low maintenance as a standard cat. Bengals need lots more play and active time. They also tend to be able to jump higher than a standard housecat.

Do not bother buying cat toys. Stuff in your house will amuse her to no end. Empty toilet paper tubes are great for wrestling, stalking, and maiming. Child-proof medicine bottles with a few dried beans make lovely rattles that kitties adore. Take an old pair of socks and stuff one inside the other and tie a knot in the open end to make a stuffed animal friend for snuggling or wrestling.

She is sooooo cute! Enjoy her. I agree to socialize her intensively :-)

If the cat is truly part Bengal, it probably won't be as low maintenance as a standard cat. Bengals need lots more play and active time. They also tend to be able to jump higher than a standard housecat.

I was a little worried too when I first got Hazel two years ago as I had never had a pet before, even though I'd always wanted one. Things have worked out fine and I'm sure they'll be fine for you too. Cats are generally low maintenance, however, kittens tend to be a lot more active, so be prepared for her to bounce off walls for a little while. Get her spayed or neutered as soon as its allowed. A female cat in heat will yowl to holy heaven. You don't want to have to hear that at 2am every night. Cats also like to scratch, so make sure to get scratching posts. You may want to get her a couple of them as cats aren't all the same regarding how low or high they want them. Some like posts that hang on door handles, other like more upright ones. As someone else said, you don't have to go crazy or spend a lot of money on toys. A ball of yarn can be a lot of fun for a cat. Most of all, enjoy her.

Do not bother buying cat toys. Stuff in your house will amuse her to no end. Empty toilet paper tubes are great for wrestling, stalking, and maiming. Child-proof medicine bottles with a few dried beans make lovely rattles that kitties adore. Take an old pair of socks and stuff one inside the other and tie a knot in the open end to make a stuffed animal friend for snuggling or wrestling.

She is sooooo cute! Enjoy her. I agree to socialize her intensively :-)

Originally Posted by goldencurly

GC, I am all about repurposing. I never would have thought of using those things for toys. Thanks tons!

I was a little worried too when I first got Hazel two years ago as I had never had a pet before, even though I'd always wanted one. Things have worked out fine and I'm sure they'll be fine for you too. Cats are generally low maintenance, however, kittens tend to be a lot more active, so be prepared for her to bounce off walls for a little while. Get her spayed or neutered as soon as its allowed. A female cat in heat will yowl to holy heaven. You don't want to have to hear that at 2am every night. Cats also like to scratch, so make sure to get scratching posts. You may want to get her a couple of them as cats aren't all the same regarding how low or high they want them. Some like posts that hang on door handles, other like more upright ones. As someone else said, you don't have to go crazy or spend a lot of money on toys. A ball of yarn can be a lot of fun for a cat. Most of all, enjoy her.

Originally Posted by LadyV69

Thanks LadyV. The ASPCA neuter her as soon as it is allowed. If she strictly an indoor cat, should I get her declawed? I ask because I have to be careful about being scratched. I bleed easy and it takes awhile to heal.

Not only is declawing is a cruel practice, it can cause issues for the poor kitty when it tries to use the litter box. If you start early and do it regularly, you can clip the cat's nails. Many vets don't even declaw anymore.

When are women going to face the fact that they donít know their own bodies as well as men who have heard things?

Not only is declawing is a cruel practice, it can cause issues for the poor kitty when it tries to use the litter box. If you start early and do it regularly, you can clip the cat's nails. Many vets don't even declaw anymore.

Originally Posted by mrspoppers

Thank you Mrs. Poppers. I certainly don't want to do anything inhumane or cause her any harm. You obviously can tell I have some things to learn. That is why I wanted to post this thread. I knew I would get great advice.

I agree about the declawing. You have to remove the last bone of each toe to declaw. It's really deboning. Also some cats become more aggressive and bite more afterwards.

Since Jade is young, it'll be easier to get her used to nail trimming and whatnot. Buddy is between 3-5 years, and I still haven't gotten him to the point where I can trim his nails. Luckily, he's good about using his post. I wish whoever had him as a kitten got him used to that.

It has been 12 years since I had my cats spayed and neutered. If I remember correctly, my lil girl had to stay over night and her brother came home the same day.

My female was tired and sore. She took it easy for a couple of days, and then she started playing a little. I can not recall any special instructions, what so ever, but I have heard that people are now advised to NOT let the cat lick the wound. I have also heard activity should be limited, or at least no excessive play, for two weeks after the surgery. Again, I never heard that. My cats were back to their normal selves fairly soon.

When I hear terms like "hipster" I think, who told cliques they could leave high school??

It has been 12 years since I had my cats spayed and neutered. If I remember correctly, my lil girl had to stay over night and her brother came home the same day.

My female was tired and sore. She took it easy for a couple of days, and then she started playing a little. I can not recall any special instructions, what so ever, but I have heard that people are now advised to NOT let the cat lick the wound. I have also heard activity should be limited, or at least no excessive play, for two weeks after the surgery. Again, I never heard that. My cats were back to their normal selves fairly soon.

Originally Posted by Fifi.G

Thanks Jess. She is grow up so fast!

I have read that she shouldn't lick the wound, but I know she is going to hate the e-collar. I am trying to find a way for her not to wear it and not lick the wound.

I need to get Lily spayed soon too. Spring is coming. She's so hyper. I can't imagine the collar. Her belly is so trim and tight. I wonder if she'll get floppy afterwards. She's around a year old. I'm surprised she hadn't come into heat yet.